Wednesday, April 08, 2009

A Contest!

Every spring I remember a bit of advice passed on from a wiser older woman to my mother. I remember this bit of advice every time my little boys bring me dandelion bouquets with grubby little hands. Little eyes light up when I express my gratitude over a simple love offering. I have a steady stream of yellow flowers in my house all during the spring. Enjoy this story, written by my mother and passed on as great advice to me and all mothers of small children.

The Days of Dandelion Bouquets(originally submitted by Sheila Simmons, Tara's mom)

When I was a young mother I took my little girl to a yard sale. The possessions of a very elderly lady were spread out on tables to be sold. My little girl picked up a tiny glass vase and said, "Mama, this is for you. I can pick dandelions for you to put in it."

I turned to look, and as I did a frail voice caught my attention. An elderly woman said to me, "Treasure that little vase and the little girl who wants it. The days of dandelion bouquets will pass by and be gone before you know it."

And she was right. My oldest son is just eight years old, but his days of dandelion bouquets are already gone. My five-year-old son is likely in his last season. I have just a few more springs of yellow flowers in my windowsill and then we'll be on to another season. Not better, not worse, just different. I think I'll miss dandelions when that season comes. But I'll remember.

5 comments:

I was just thinking about this this morning--how those times pass so quickly. It's funny though, with the sadness of them no longer being young there is mixed with it the excitement of them learning new things. I love that mix.

About Me

I am a Christian, wife and mother to four kids. I love fancy coffee, Pepsi and baked goods. I also love to do crafty things. My current project is quilting, but I'm also dabbling in making other baby items!
I'm married to Jim and we have four kidlets. Evan (11), Aidan (8), Toby (6) and the pink caboose is Avery who is four.